A 62‑year‑old woman died in Bolangir district after receiving a wrong injection from a local quack, sparking outrage and renewed calls to curb illegal clinics.
The incident occurred in Karlapita village under Muribahal police limits.
Reports said the victim, Kaushalya Panika, had been undergoing treatment for a skin infection at the clinic of Tunu Bagarti in Haladi village. On Sunday, she visited the clinic with her granddaughter and received an injection. Soon after, she collapsed and died.
Family members rushed to the clinic and created a ruckus. Witnesses said the quack shut down his shop and fled. Allegations surfaced that he offered one lakh rupees to the family to suppress the matter. The body was cremated without a post‑mortem, raising further suspicion.
The incident triggered widespread anger as locals accused authorities of ignoring rampant illegal medical practices in rural areas. Media reports highlighted the use of fake medicines and injections by unlicensed practitioners.
On Tuesday, Balangir CDMO Dr Pushpanjali Mishra ordered an inquiry into the case. Officials confirmed that the investigation will examine the type of injection administered and the circumstances of the death. Police have registered a case but remained tight‑lipped about further action.
Residents demanded strict enforcement against quacks and fake drug networks operating in Muribahal and the surrounding areas.
